“Anthony Weiner is a sex addict because he can’t control this destructive, compulsive behavior. When he says he’s a changed man, perhaps he is in denial. Like a drug addict, the sex addict can’t stop by sheer will power. Anthony gets a high from this potentially damaging behavior,” Steven Orenstein, an addiction expert, tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

Anthony, 48, who shocked the world in 2011 after he was caught sexting with another woman, is back in the public’s bad graces after an unidentified woman came forward on July 23 to claim she had a virtual affair with the former Congressman from July 2012 to November 2012. Anthony confirmed the chats and photos she revealed were real in a statement released by his campaign on July 23.

Anthony has been leading the polls in the race for mayor of New York City. His campaign was centered around the idea that he was a changed man, but it looks like that was all an act. Steven continues:

“Anthony may have a psychiatric problem and should be fully evaluated by a medical doctor. He may be suffering from deep depression or some other type of mental illness, like bi-polar disorder, and this sex addiction is merely masking a deeper problem. He needs professional help to stay in recovery and a support system like the twelve step program Sex Addiction Anonymous. A normal person doesn’t continue to put himself, his family and his career on the line.”

Anthony Weiner’s Wife Stands By His Side

Surprisingly, Anthony’s wife, Huma, stood by him through the last scandal, and she supported him again at the press conference on July 23. Steven adds:

“Anthony Weiner is a public figure and should take this opportunity to acknowledge that he does indeed have a problem, and if he is already in some sort of treatment, he should be open and honest with the public. Millions of people suffer from sex addiction and again like a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s a compulsion that can’t be stopped without professional help. He should be honest and not be ashamed to admit his powerlessness.”